FAQs

What is a spray tan?

Spray Tanning is a fast and safe way to instantly have a glowing sun-kissed tan!

Spray tanning is a form of sunless tanning which is free of the risks associated with sun tanning, and saves your skin from sun exposure, premature ageing, freckles and sun spots and to prevent skin/sun cancers.

A Spray Tan is a beauty treatment in which the body is sprayed with a liquid solution containing ingredients that bonds to your outer skin layer/cells ( the epidermis layer ) and adjusts to your skins melanin and develops the skin to produce an artificial suntan from the percentage of DHA used causing your skin to become dark.

What is the ingredient that makes my skin tanned?

Dihydroxyacetone, more commonly known in the tanning and beauty industry as DHA. DHA is the active ingredient. It is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, and by the fermentation of glycerin.

What tanning solution do you use at Bay of Islands Tans?

We have selected two brands that we feel provide a deep sun-kissed flawless tan in just 2 hours and solutions that are Natural, Organic and Vegan.

Eco Tan Professional Spray Tanning solutions are made with only organic and natural ingredients. Eco Tan is Australia’s first tanning range to be Certified by the Organic Food Chain Australia. Also Certified Toxic Free by Safe Cosmetics Australia, their product formulas do not include in any toxins, GMOs or synthetic dyes. Instead, using only natural ingredients including Cacao, Aloe Vera and Caramel. All the tanning products are completely vegan to offer you natural beauty that is Certified Cruelty Free.

Aviva Labs believes the beauty of a sun-kissed glow can be achieved without sacrificing the health of your skin. Aviva Labs organic solutions were born in USA and are: Doctor formulated, natural looking, long lasting, hypoallergenic, even fading, oil-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, erythrulose-free, only made with FDA approved ingredients, PETA-approved, composed of the highest quality premium grade DHA, water-base, fast drying, vegan, not tested on animals, free of harsh dyes and chemicals, nut-free, allergen-free AND formulated with long term health in mind.

How long does a spray tan last?

Your organic spray tan will last between 7 to 10 days. The day of your spray tan, we recommend washing it off with water only, and moisturise for a longer lasting tan. There are many factors that determine the length of your tan such as the dryness of your skin, whether you are hydrating your skin daily with moisturiser and if you are applying a tanning extender.

How to get a tan?

Bay of Islands Tans is a Mobile Service. We cover from the coast to the rural country, providing the best and most natural looking tan in just 2hrs. We come to you. You have 2 possibilities in order to get a tan:

Professional organic spray tan: Our experienced spray tanners will bring everything that is required for your spray tanning appointment to your home, workplace, hotel or wherever it is that you are within the Bay of Islands Area.

DIY at home: Prepare, Tan or Maintain your tan at home. Bay of Islands Tans has a range of self-tanning products that will provide you with a beautiful and natural sun-kissed tan at home. We are proud to stock Organic, Vegan, Natural and Cruelty Free products.

What does 'Mobile' mean?

Bay of Islands Tans is a professional Mobile Spray Tanning Business. This means that wherever you are, we come to you! You do not need to make an appointment at a beauty salon or day spa at a specified time. We can come to your home, workplace, hotel or any location within the Bay of Islands. We bring everything that is required for your spray tanning appointment such as the tanning machine, tanning tent, solution etc. We are available for bookings over 7 days and can cater to your specific time required if this is out of our usual trading hours.

What should I do to prolong my tan?

Prepare the skin by exfoliating prior to your organic spray tan, this will remove the body of dead skin cells. We recommend you do this, 24-48 hours before your spray tan appointment. Use a shower gel or body wash that is free of chemicals, synthetics and parabens. Apply moisturiser daily or a Gradual Tan / Tan Extender to maintain constant colour in the skin. Avoid long hot baths, swimming in chlorine, saunas, excessive sweating. Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated. You should expect 7-10 days from a spray tan when maintained.

It is important to read the ingredients on your beauty and body care products. Some products have ingredients that will either make your tan fade faster. It is best to avoid products with SLS, SLES, Parabens and Alcohol and use products that are closer to nature and more nourishing for your body such as Natural and Organic products.

Can I shave/wax my legs/body parts before or after the tan application?

We advise you to shave/wax at least 12 hours prior to your organic spray tan appointment.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women be sprayed?

Yes, you can, however, we ask you to keep in mind which stage of pregnancy you are at and trust your own judgement for this beauty treatment. Testing has shown that DHA does not penetrate the skin, nor enter the bloodstream, therefore, it appears safe to spray pregnant women. As a precaution, we suggest clients who are pregnant to get permission from their doctor. For women who are breastfeeding, inform that they should ensure their nipples are wiped over before breastfeeding. Our products Organic Spray Tanning solutions are Natural, Organic, Vegan, Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free and contain no artificial ingredients.

Do I have to take all of my clothes off?

Absolutely not, we want you to feel comfortable so whatever you choose to wear at your appointment we accommodate you and work around your bikini, tights, singlets, and/or g-strings. If you do however want an all over sun-kissed tanned body, and would like to spray tan naked, go right ahead.

What should I wear after my spray tan?

Please wear loose, preferably dark clothing. Tight clothes will rub off the bronzer in your tan and can make it uneven or patchy.

We prefer females to go bra less if possible immediately after the spray tan to avoid the bra rubbing against the skin and causing any strap marks.

During my shower, I have noticed a lot of colour washing away?

This is fine and completely normal. The bronze/brown colour that is washing away is just the bronzer that is within your tanning solution. Your spray tan has been left on for the amount of time advised by your spray tanner so your skin will now change and get darker into the tan as it continues to develop.

How often should I moisturise after being spray tanned?

The more the better! We advise moisturising with once or twice a day. This will help your tan to lengthen and fade evenly while keeping the skin well nourished.

After being sprayed, do I still need to wear sunscreen?

Yes! Tanning solution does not contain sunscreen. Please be sure to continue to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

Can I leave my Spray Tan on for longer than 2 hrs?

Yes! Bay of Islands Tans offers a variety of Organic Tanning Solutions that each have a different time to develop to your desired tan.

Your Spray Tanner will discuss this with you when deciding which solution you prefer and the length of time required to keep on before showering.

Who will apply my organic spray tan?

Lisa - the Chief Tanning Officer / Owner of Bay of Islands Tans is a very experienced and well-trained Spray Tanner. She will consult you about your skin type and discuss with you your desired tanning outcome and if you have any special occasion or event. You are in safe and happy hands with Lisa and she will ensure that your appointment is on time and you are at ease and you enjoy your spray tanning experience.

How long does the tanning appointment take?

We ask that you except your spray tanner to arrive 5 minutes prior to your appointment time. If it’s your first time, you will need 5 minutes for your consultation. Your spray tanner will talk you through the procedure and movements required. The appointment takes approximately 25 minutes from arrival, setting up the tanning tent, selecting your tanning solution, undressing, pre tan preparation, receiving the spray tan, drying off, ensuring you are completely satisfied, and getting dressed again. We then quickly pack up the tent and leave you looking like a sun-kissed Islands Babe ready to take on the world!!

What payment options do you have?

We accept cash only at your spray tan appointment.

We offer a pre paid Spray Tan option via our SHOP section or look for the BUY A SPRAY TAN tab. Here you have the option to pay via Paypal. If you do not have a Paypal account, you can still select this option and then pay with your Mastercard or Visa.

How to remove fake tan?

The best way to remove a fake tan is to prepare a hot bath, light up some candles, play some soul music, sit back and relax. We also suggest exfoliation and also swimming. Once your tan has faded to ensure your old tan is removed entirely, we recommend you use an exfoliating mitt or just wait for your tan to naturally fade away.

I still have more questions?

Please use the Contact Us form or email at aloha@bayofislandstans.co.nz with your query.